In the Beginning was Information

(lies, provocation, slander, mockery, and cursing) by listening andresponding to it. God detests both, and every evil word is recordedin God’s information registers. These books will be opened oneday (Revelation 20:12) and we will be judged accordingly, as Jesusprophesied: “But I tell you that men will have to give account onthe day of judgment for every careless word they have spoken. Forby your words you will be acquitted, and by your words you willbe condemned” (Matthew 12:36-37).Valuable information: The most valuable information that has everbeen sent, is the Word of God. No other message is better and noother words ever brought more joy. There is no useless or falseinformation in the Bible, since God’s Word is absolutely true: “Godis not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He shouldchange his mind. Does He speak and then not act. Does He promiseand not fulfil?” (Numbers 23:19). The Bible contains certainty andtruth, as well as eternal and divine words. No other information caneven approach being equal to this. The Psalmist testifies from hispersonal experience when he cries out: “I rejoice in your promiselike one who finds great spoil” (Psalm 119:162). Paul also refers tothe treasure he has found: “But we have this treasure in jars of clay”(2 Corinthians 4:7). God wants us always to be receivers and transmittersof this information which He values exceedingly.1. As recipient: Many people follow various courses and takepains for the purpose of being successful in their private lives andin their careers. But already in the Old Testament God has givensimple advice which can easily be followed and can have greateffects: “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth;meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to doeverything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful”(Joshua 1:8). Contemplation of and obedience to the Word ofthe living God is extremely important: “Obey me, and I will beyour God and you will be my people. Walk in all the ways I commandyou, that it may go well with you” (Jeremiah 7:23).The Word brings understanding and wisdom and it keeps us fromgoing astray (Psalm 119:104). It renews (Psalm 119:154), enlightensand brings joy (Psalm 119:130) and shows us the way of salvation(James 1:21). Since we are dealing with the most valuable information– extremely important information, Figure 25 – we are unam-139